Faster

a devised workdirected by Emily Sheehan and Kyle Walmsley and co-created with the ensemble

18-20 October 2018

canberra youth theatre

“an intense, tightly schooled physical exploration of the inner minds of young people on the verge of adulthood.”

- Helen Musa, CITY NEWS

ABOUT THE SHOW

Faster asks of its audience, how does our framing of young people distort them and make us misconstrue their experience? Faster places adolescence as a spectacle to be witnessed. A spectacle just to be witnessed, rather than stopped, controlled, or ‘fixed’. Devised with a collaborating ensemble of teenage performers, Faster is an explosive and raw theatrical experience. Incorporating physical theatre and intricate lighting and sound design, to tell this story outside at night.

directorS’ notes

This show asks of its audience, how does our framing of young people distort them and make us misconstrue their experience Faster places young people as a spectacle to be witnessed. A spectacle just to be witnessed rather than stopped, lectured at, controlled, or ‘fixed’.

In making this production, the cast have talked about the intense pressure young people feel in constantly being 'watched'. Watched by adults, watched by each other, and watched by others. This awareness of being watched creating an intense need to 'perform'. Coupled with this ‘performance’, crammed in to just a handful of years, the teenage experience is a slew of ‘firsts’, right of passage rituals, and an adult body trying to bust its way through. The relentless speed at which this occurs can feel like it’s picking up momentum daily.

Thank you to our cast who have so bravely co-created this show with us over many hours of conversation and exploration. These young actors have shared their voice so honestly and generously. Thank you also to Katie and Alicia, and all the Canberra Youth Theatre staff who have the fiercest commitment to giving young people a platform to express their voices. Voices we must begin to listen to more in the theatre.